Orcas return to Puget Sound with new baby

In this photo provided by Jeanne Hyde, a new baby orca, designated L-119, front, swims with its uncle Mega and aunt Calypso, in the San Juan Islands in Puget Sound in Washington. The Kitsap Sun reports it's the second known offspring for Matia. Her first baby two years ago only survived a few months. (AP Photo/Jeanne Hyde)

The Associated Press

BREMERTON — Killer whales have returned to Puget Sound waters with a new baby.

All three pods – J, K and L – were spotted Tuesday in the San Juan Islands. Howard Garret of Orca network says it was the first time since October they had been seen together.

The whale watchers were excited to see the baby orca, which has been designated L-119 by the Center for Whale Research.

The Kitsap Sun reports it’s the second known offspring for the mother, L-77, a 25-year-old named Matia. Her first baby two years ago only survived a few months.

Counting the new calf, the population of the endangered southern resident orcas is 88 – 26 in J pod, 20 in K pod and 42 in L pod.

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The Today File is a general news blog featuring real-time coverage of Seattle and the Northwest. It is reported by the news staff of The Seattle Times and includes stories from The Associated Press and McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.